I bought this for coffee shop stops on group rides. It is a lock that would take a pro to quickly defeat. It is perfect for my uses. It can be carried in a Jersey pocket. You can set the code easily. The directions are user friendly.
We purchased this lock for our trip along the Southern Tier of the US. We're riding a tandem with a Yakima Big Tow Trailer that few would want to take due to the weight alone, but this lock really helps us sleep at night and make quick trips into grocery stores. Though it might not keep a professional thief with motivation from steeling our unattended bike, it would make things more difficult and time consuming. Therefore we thought it was perfect for our needs.
It rolls up tight and fits in our seat bag. It's unconventional, so most thieves with a metal cutting device would think twice. It's simple to use even without a bike rack or post. We simply run it through the rear wheel and the down tube thereby making anyone have to hand carry our tandem bike. I do suggest the longer (30") lock though to enable locking to posts, bike racks.
I bought this so I could make pit stops on solo rides less worrisome - it is light enough and small enough to throw in my handlebar or saddlebag without being a noticeable load. (I suppose I could stuff it in a jersey pocket as well). This is definitely an "honesty" lock - just enough to keep someone form walking away with what would otherwise be an unsecured bike. There is no way I would use this as a primary lock in a high theft area.
Pros: small size, light weight, coated band protects the frame
Cons: the band can be grabby sliding in and out of the lock mechanism, there is no spacer between the tumblers which can lead to you turning two of them at the same time.
Overall, I would recommend this for someone looking for a lock to use for quick stops or in very low risk areas.
This lock is small,light and works great for a coffee stop on a 50 mile ride.
I did not want a big heavy lock clanging around on my horizontal bar.
I am a road biker and ride about 400 miles a month.
This lock is not going to protect your bike for very long, if not used in conjunction with a larger locking system.
But,if you want some piece of mind in situations where you would usually leave your bike unlocked, this lock is a great candidate. It's small and light and prefect for gas station resupplies and bathroom trips. For cafe and coffee stops.
My only issue is that the locking and unlocking function can feel a little stiff and sloppy. And there is a small learning curve to getting it to run smoothly.
It's not strong, and I would not trust it in any high risk area. But it's fairly easy to deploy and it will probably prevent casual theft of an unattended bike. There are times that's all I need. In the past I hauled around a full-sized cable or chain lock, but those were overkill when I parked for 10 min to pick up a prescription or drop into the hardware store. This lock is so compact I can carry it everywhere and have it when I need it. I think the trick is to be aware of risk areas wherever you leave your bike, and make sure you have security that's adequate situation.
I like the lock as it compact and strong for locking the rear wheel of my bike to a rack or other object when I go into a store. I would not use it to lock the bike for long periods. The combination lock seems a bit flimsy. The elastic band that keeps the rolled-up lock from unrolling in your pocket or pact is definitely too weak for multiple uses. Mine broke after about 20 times. I've ordered three back-ups (they only are sold in packages of 3), so clearly Ottolock knows it's too weak. They should beef it up, as well as the combination lock.
Light, easy to carry. Already owned 18 inch Ottolock, and decided it was really too short to be useful. This 30 inch is much better, and works in more locations.
Just as advertised, it's more for quick stops and low risk areas. No way would I rely on this lock for overnight storage or sketchy areas.
I'm usually be myself when I ride. I use this lock if I have to make a stop at a store for treats or to use the bathroom. It probably won't stop a hardcore bike bandit, but will be enough to deter an opportunist thief.
I used this lock as a thief deterrent. Not for very long periods of time. I do get paranoid about leaving my bikes for too long. I recently used it on a bikepacking trip. The small version is great for a single bike, but hard to get around some thicker light poles and road signs at times. My brother has the longer version and that seems more recommended if you want to go through both wheels and the frame, or lock multiple bikes up to something. I like how it's a little bit more space friendly than a U-lock. and given that I don't leave my bikes out too long anyway, this lock is perfect for my needs
This little lock is awesome-it's compact, super durable, and easy to use. The mid-size is great for two bikes and a pole and doesn't differ too much in weight from the size below (added weight is from extra band only). Would highly recommend.
This is peace of mind when the bike is parked outside the convenience store. The lock is small and light enough to shove in my jersey pocket or strap to the saddle bag (I did see the other day that they offer a mounting kit for it). I haven't tried to cut into it, but I've watched the videos online. Impressive.
The small Ottolock fits neatly in a jersey pocket, is lightweight, and offers decent security for short stops. However, the flat cable doesn't twist and isn't very long so I sometimes have trouble looping it around railings or bike racks. The combination seemed hard to set (yes, I followed the directions step-by-step), and the small combination rollers are difficult to align even though my fingers aren't that big.
I've really liked this lock, but after less than a year, the button will no longer depress, and none of the steps at the Ottolock site work to fix it. Too expensive a lock to die this soon, and it almost got locked on my bike while I was out as well, which would have been unforgivable.
Not completely bullet proof, but will keep an honest person honest, in most cases. Easy to carry in a jersey pocket or strapped to a seat post, much lighter than a U-lock, but not as secure. Useful for locking 2 bikes together plus a fixed object, like a post or street staple.
